What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

The cause of autoimmune disease remains unknown. However, fundamentally all autoimmune
diseases are a consequence of impaired immune function that results from a mix of genetic
and environmental factors.1

Approximately one-third of the risk of developing an autoimmune disease can be
attributed to heredity.1

Other non-inherited risk factors may include environmental triggers, such as exposure to
infectious agents (e.g., virus, bacteria), and lifestyle considerations, such as
nutritional factors that may affect immune function.1

In the past decade, clinical and laboratory research has suggested that certain immune cells
called B-cells may have a stronger influence on the development and progression of various
autoimmune diseases than previously thought.2

What Is the Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases?

For reasons poorly understood, the incidence and prevalence of autoimmune diseases is
rising.1

Collectively, autoimmune diseases are among the most prevalent diseases in the U.S.,
affecting between 14.7 and 23.5 million people  up to 8 percent of the population.
1